Eight people, including children, were rescued after they were believed to have been swept away by rip currents while swimming at Bonza Bay Beach in Beacon Bay, East London, on Friday night.

A total of 68 beaches made the grade this year, including many coastal stretches in the south-east. We’ve laid out a few of our favourite Blue Flag destinations within easy reach of London.

Shoeburyness, often chosen as an alternative day-trip to the nearby Southend-on-Sea, boasts two beaches - East Beach and Shoebury Common Beach. These spots are less well-known than some of Essex's ...